Hotshot Rooney is our City slicker

No fewer than 32 per cent believe the England striker will follow in the footsteps of Gary Lineker in 1986 and claim the Golden Boot in South Africa.

But the majority can’t see the Manchester United front man firing England to World Cup glory – only 14 per cent believe Fabio Capello’s men can end the nation’s 44 years of hurt.

Brazil are the best backed as they go in search of a sixth Jules Rimet trophy. Indeed, 44 per cent of City workers believe the Samba boys will prove too strong, while European champions Spain are also fancied with 28 per cent of the vote.

Argentina are also hard to dismiss, with 16 per cent backing Diego Maradona to lead his side into the final. Only a third, however (8%), reckon he can take them all the way.

While the optimistic few are throwing their weight behind England, the vast majority, 46 per cent, say Capello’s men will fall in the semi-finals with another 14 per cent backing them to reach the showpiece at Soccer City on 11 July, only to fall at the final hurdle.
Here’s how the City, and various leading executives, see the tournament unfolding.